California is the only state that refuses to accept federal sex education money, because such acceptance requires public schools to teach only abstinence, and to avoid discussing contraception.

Now that the economy of California is in such terrible shape, there is concern that the state may be forced to accept federal funds and destroy its own program.

Why is that so terrible? Common sense should give you the answer, but facts are better: California's teen birth rate has dropped by more than 40% in the last decade.

The California schools teach that abstinence is the only sure way to avoid STD's and pregnancy, but they also teach (with parental permission) about various methods of contraception. Apparently, there are a lot of California parents with the wisdom to let their kids learn everything there is to know.

California's adolescent population is growing so rapidly, it is expected that there will again be a rise in teen pregnancy, but the program that prevents it is in danger because of a federal government whose policy is dictated by the Christian right and other religious groups.